Charity collaboration

However, Mr Jordan said the removal itself was something Ucas had been considering for a long time with the charities involved.

He told i: “We have always been looking at how we can ensure the application process in itself isn’t a barrier and people feel comfortable applying.”

Nina Champion, head of policy at the Prisoners’ Education Trust, said the charity welcomed the decision by Ucas “to promote second chances” when it comes to higher education.

She said: “People with convictions who are applying to university are showing a huge commitment to turning their lives around. As a society, we should be doing all we can to support them.

“The chance to go to university helps people to move fully away from crime, build careers and contribute to our communities.

‘Significant’ change

“Their presence is also hugely beneficial for universities, which gain highly committed students, who help create a more diverse and inclusive learning environment for everyone.

“We look forward to working with universities at revising their own admissions procedures and hope that they will follow in the footsteps of Ucas, ensuring fair chances for every student.”

Christopher Stacey, co-director of Unlock, added: “This is a significant change that has the potential to help many people with convictions see a university education as a positive way forward in their lives.

“For far too long, universities have operated arbitrary, unfair admissions practices towards those who ticked the box. Unlock has seen first-hand how people have been put off from applying to university as a result.

“If universities are committed to widening participation, they should be considering the widest number of potential applicants.

“The change by Ucas provides a strong signal to universities that criminal records shouldn’t feature in their assessment of academic ability.”

We know that sometimes it’s easier for us to come to you with the news. That's why our new email newsletter will deliver a mobile-friendly snapshot of inews.co.uk to your inbox every morning, from Monday to Saturday.

This will feature the stories you need to know, as well as a curated selection of the best reads from across the site. Of course, you can easily opt out at any time, but we're confident that you won't.

Oliver Duff, Editor

By entering your email address and clicking on the sign up button below, you are agreeing to receive the latest daily news, news features and service updates from the i via email. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will not pass on your information.